Showing papers on "Electric power published in 1990"

Renewable Energy Resources

Abstract: 1. Principles of Renewable Energy 2. Solar Radiation and the Greenhouse Effect 3. Solar Water Heating 4. Other Solar Thermal Applications 5. Photovoltaic Power Technology - PV 6. Hydropower 7. Wind Resource 8. Wind Power Technology 9. Biomass Resources from Photosynthesis 10. Bioenergy Technologies 11. Wave Power 12. Tidal-current and Tidal-range Power 13. Ocean Gradient Energy: OTEC and Osmotic Power 14. Geothermal Energy 15. Energy Systems: Integration, Distribution and Storage 16. Using Energy Efficiently 17. Institutional and Economic Factors Review 1: Electrical Power Review 2: Fluid Dynamics Review 3: Heat Transfer Review 4: Solid State Physics for Photovoltaics Review 5: Units and Conversions: Algebraic Method Appendix A: Units and Conversions Appendix B: Data Appendix C: Some Heat Transfer Formulas Appendix D: Comparisons of Technologies Short Answers to Selected Problems Index

Valve arrangement of microstructured components

Abstract: A valve arrangement from microstructured components worked out of a basic body, for the control of fluids, include an actuation element which is movable relative to a flow path distributor and opens or closes fluid paths depending on its position. A transition from one position into the other is effected by adding an actuating drive connected to an electrical power source. The actuation element is held in its switch position. For a high fluid flow, a large force can be applied to the actuation element. The actuating drive works according to an operating principle aimed at covering the longest distance possible. A holding device is provided, which works according to an operating principle working independent of the first operating principle and provides the generation of the greatest cohesion possible.

Ink jet recording head, driving method for same and ink jet recording apparatus

Abstract: A recording method for making record on a recording material by ejection of ink, wherein after electric power enough to eject the ink for the recording on the recording material is supplied to recording device to effect the recording in a predetermined region, electric power not enough to eject the ink is supplied to the recording device.

Efficient use of electricity

Abstract: The demand for electricity seems almost insatiable. But building new power plants is costly, time-consuming and can harm the environment. A promising solution--and one the utilities themselves are pushing--is greater efficiency. Lights and motors are a good place to begin. Advanced technologies offer an opportunity to meet the world's future energy needs while minimizing the environmental impact. Both suppliers and consumers of electricity can benefit from the savings. The biggest savings in electricity can be attained in a few areas: lights, motor systems, and the refrigeration of food and rooms. These technologies are described and their potential for reduction in energy consumption is discussed.

Power supply control system

Abstract: A power supply control system including a variable power converter (5, 52) for converting electric power from a power supply (1) to a load (16, 55) into that of a specification demanded by the load in response to a power specification information source (15a, SP) provided on the load side With a change in the load, the infor­mation source (35) also changed, thereby providing a flexible power supply control system capable of meeting different loads For applications to a high power supply, the system comprises a plurality of variable power converters (5a to 5d) adapted to operate selectively in accordance with requisite power information sources provided in or on the side of a plurality of loads (16), thereby providing a system realizing a flexible power supply For application to a low power supply, the system comprises a plug (54) having a power specification information source (85) and a socket (51) having a variable power converter (52)

Power generation from lng

Abstract: LNG (9) is pumped to high pressure (13) vaporized (19), further heated (21) and then expanded to create rotary power (29) that is used to generate electrical power (31). A reservoir of carbon dioxide at about its triple point (41) is created in an insulated vessel to store energy in the form of refrigeration recovered from the evaporated LNG. During peak electrical power periods, liquid carbon dioxide is withdrawn therefrom, pumped to a high pressure (45), vaporized (47, 75) further heated (55), and expanded to create rotary power (57) which generates additional electrical power (59). The exhaust from a fuel-fired combustion turbine (61), connected to an electrical power generator (63), heats the high pressure carbon dioxide vapor. The discharge stream from the CO2 expander is cooled (53) and at least partially returned to the vessel (41) where vapor condenses by melting stored solid carbon dioxide. During off-peak periods, CO2 vapor is withdrawn from the reservoir and condensed to liquid by vaporizing LNG, so that use is always efficiently made of the available refrigeration from the vaporizing LNG, and valuable peak electrical power is available when needed by using the stored energy in the CO2 reservoir (41).

Inductive power transfer to an electric vehicle-analytical model

Abstract: The roadway powered electric vehicle (RPEV) system is a unique electric vehicle system that receives electric power by inductive coupling from an inductor buried beneath the road surface. The analytical model of the system that transfers power from the wayside to the vehicle battery and DC traction motor is analyzed. This model includes the roadway inductor, the vehicle-mounted pick up inductor, and the onboard circuitry for control/conditioning of the coupled power. The equivalent circuit model of the inductive power coupling system is derived. Based on this model, the electrical characteristics of the system are explained. Trade-offs in selecting system parameters are discussed. All test results have tended to confirm simulation results obtained using the analytical model. >

Electric motor driven vehicle and power unit thereof

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric motor driven vehicle having a driving unit assembled with a motor and transmission mechanism. In order to avoid a load in a low rotational state of the motor, the transmission mechanism is connected with the motor and driving wheel within a range of predetermined rotational numbers in which the motor approaches the vicinity of maximum efficiency. Accordingly, motor driving is possible from the start, and because of the small electric power and the low heat generating quantity, cruising distance is extended and the apparatus is consequently made to be compact and of light weight. The transmission is provided with an automatic starting clutch and an automatic transmission is used as the automatic transmission, operation of the motor near the vicinity of maximum efficiency can always be maintained in the usual speed change range. The driving unit can be constructed compactly as a power unit of swing type. Further, an advantageous cooling mechanism of the motor and a wiring structure of an electric power supply cord are disclosed herein.

Electric power supply control device for vehicle

Abstract: An electric power supply control device for a vehicle comprises a lock actuator for driving actuators of the vehicle and an operation switch for outputting all operation instruction signal to the lock actuator. A circuit for vehicle running system for actuating an engine of the vehicle and a steering lock circuit for actuating the steering lock actuator in a locking direction are connected, exclusively with each other, to a power supply circuit. Wireless communication is conducted between a driver's transceiver and the vehicle when the vehicle engine is stopped and the power supply circuit therefor remains on, to automatically disconnect the power supply circuit.

Engine starter and electric generator system

Abstract: An engine starter and electric generator system transmits rotative power to a crankshaft to start an engine and generates electric power based on rotative power from the crankshaft after the engine has started. The engine starter and electric generator system includes a starter/generator operable selectively as a starter motor to produce the rotative power and a generator for generating the electric power, and an electric power supply device for supplying electric power to the starter motor. A power transmitting mechanism operatively interconnects the crankshaft and the starter/generator, for bidirectionally transmitting the rotative power between the crankshaft and the starter/generator. A transmission mechanism is disposed in the power transmitting mechanism, for changing the speed of rotation transmitted between the crankshaft and the starter/generator. The system also has a control device for controlling operation of the starter/generator and establishing different speed-reduction ratios for the transmission mechanism when the starter/generator operates as the generator and when the starter/generator operates as the starter motor.

Method and apparatus for converting low temperature heat to electric power

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a thermodynamic cycle which may be used to convert low temperature heat to electric power.

Electrical power storage apparatus

Abstract: A rechargeable, electrical power storage system employing an electrical power storage medium in the form of a slurry containing active metal particles and an electrolyte solution, which system includes one or more metal-air cells, each including outer electrode apparatus including air electrode apparatus and being configured to define a liquid permeable housing; a volume of the active metal particles arranged within the housing so as to define a static bed which is saturated with the electrolyte solution; inner electrode apparatus arranged within the housing so as to be surrounded by the static bed. The system also includes apparatus for circulating an electrolyte solution through the static bed so as to dissolve discharge products that form therein as the slurry becomes electrically discharged, and apparatus for removing the dissolved discharge products from the circulating electrolyte. The electrical power storage system may be used for powering an electric vehicle. An electrical energy system includes an electric utility having electricity generation apparatus and distribution lines, and rechargeable electrical power storage apparatus which provides energy to the electric utility, when required. The rechargeable electrical power storage apparatus may optionally also be used for the regeneration of slurry for replacement of electrically discharged slurry in the electrical power storage system of an electric vehicle.

Hearing aid which cuts on/off during removal and attachment to the user

Abstract: A hearing aid includes an electronic amplifier, an electric power source and a switch for automatically breaking or making the connection between the amplifier and the power source depending on whether the hearing aid is in use or out of use. The switch is provided in such a manner so as to be responsive to switching criterion defined by a change of state such as change in temperature, moisture etc. The switch is disposed at a wall surface which is subjected to the change of state.

Combined signal and electrical power distribution system

Abstract: In a combined telephone and electric power distribution system, both telephone signals and electric power are distributed by way of a common distribution system wherein signal conducting means (such as optical fibers) and electric power conducting means are routed alongside each other to/from various utilization points, such as to/from a telephone instrument, a computer, an electric lighting fixture and/or a power receptacle. At some of these utilization points, telephone signal receptacles are provided alongside electric power receptacles. At other points, the signal conducting means is terminated in a radio transceiver and wireless signal radiation/receiving means. In a typical situation, such a transceiver has its antenna mounted at or near a ceiling lighting fixture; which radio antenna interacts with some other transceiver combined with a telephone and/or other information-handling apparatus located nearby. In addition to being used for transmitting telephone and/or other information signals, the signal conducting means is used for controlling the flow and/or usage of electric power, such as control of light from individual lighting fixtures, for distributed protection against electrical circuit overload and/or fire hazards. Also included is a provision for supplying uninterruptible power to selected utilization points.

Magnetoelectric resonance engine

Abstract: A machine which combines an Alpha-type Stirling cycle thermal machine and a magnetoelectric resonance mechanism adaptable to be useful both as an electric generator and an electric heat pump (Fig. 2). Such a Stirling cycle resonance machine (Fig. 2) has a simplified mechanical arrangement with a minimum number of moving parts within a hermetically sealed and permanently lubricated housing (16), is fully automatic, self-starting, and self-regulating in operation in that the mechanical motion of the pistons (14, 15) is maintained in appropriate phase relationship by an electronic quadrature phase-locking circuit. It can readily use multiple fuels as an electric generator and multiple electric power sources (DC or AC) as an electric heat pump.

Electric power demand limit for variable speed heat pumps and integrated water heating heat pumps

Abstract: An integrated heat pump and hot water system provides heating or cooling of a comfort zone, as required, and also provides water heating. As a power management feature, the speed of a variable speed compressor is reduced to a predetermined fraction, e.g. 80%, of its normal operating speed, in response to a demand limit signal provided from the electric power utility during times of peak electrical load. A reference compressor speed is computed based on the current compressor speed, indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, and zero-load temperature difference. If the system is between operating cycles when the demand limit signal is received, a stored speed is used which corresponds to the compressor speed at a predetermined outdoor-indoor temperature difference. This system produces graceful reduction in comfort cooling during demand limit periods.

Control system for turbocharger with rotary electric machine

Abstract: A control system controls a turbocharger which incorporates a rotary electric machine that is operable as a motor or a generator. When the rotary electric machine operates as a motor with supplied electric power, the con­trol system controls the amount by which the electric power is to be reduced or increased, depending on the rate of change of the rotational speed of the turbocharger within a speed control range for the turbocharger, thereby reducing the degree by which the rotational speed of the turbocharger varies.

Hot beverage preparation and dispensing cart

Abstract: A portable cabinet is provided for facilitating the operation of espresso and coffee-making machines and for the merchandising of espresso and coffee. The cabinet includes a counter top with at least two beverage preparation stations at different levels, one for preparing espresso and the other for preparing coffee. An internal fresh water supply and plumbing system enables the cabinet to be used at locations where a continuous supply of fresh water is unavailable. Filtered water from a holding tank is supplied to both beverage preparation stations on the top counter. A power distribution system built into the cabinet supplies electric power to both beverage preparation stations and to built-in lighting within the canopy which extends over the top counter. An internal waste water collection system drains waste water from the espresso-making machine to a waste water holding tank. A sink is built into the top counter, including a water faucet with water supplied from the fresh water plumbing system and a drain which drains to the waste water holding tank. Protective devices within the cabinet prevent overflow when filling the fresh water holding tank and alert the person working behind the cabinet to an overflow condition in the waste water holding tank. Another device automatically protects the espresso-making machine against damage from operation when the fresh water holding tank is empty. Sufficient storage space for coffee and espresso-making supplies and a large refrigerator are built into the cabinet.

Power supply system for turbocharger with rotary electric machine

Abstract: A power supply system for supplying electric energy to a rotary electric machine coupled to a rotatable shaft of a turbocharger for supercharging an engine includes a battery for supplying electric energy to the rotary electric machine, and a capacitor connected parallel to the battery through a switching control device. The capacitor is charged with electric energy from the battery at all times. When the engine needs to be revved up for quick acceleration, the switching control device is energized to supply electric energy stored in the capacitor, together with the electric power from the battery, to the rotary electric machine. Since the capacitor has a smaller internal resistance as compared with the battery, the capacitor can supply a large current to the rotary electric machine immediately after the accelerator pedal is deeply depressed for quick acceleration.

Power saving scanning arrangement

Abstract: Electrical power consumption is saved in a low-cost scanner for reading bar code symbols by oscil-lating one of the scanner components either by mechanical power alone or by a low-power electrical drive.

Data display system for vehicles

Abstract: This data display system includes a wireless transmitter mounted on a vehicle. The wireless transmitter is used for transmitting a signal representative of data related to operation of the vehicle. A wireless receiver is mounted on a helmet worn by a driver of the vehicle. The receiver receives a transmitted data signal from the transmitter and generates an output signal. A power supply is mounted on the helmet, and comprises a solar cell and a secondary battery for supplying electric power to the receiver. Converter circuits are connected to an output stage of the wireless receiver for converting the output signal of the receiver into a light display signal of visible rays. A display and mirror are mounted on the helmet for projecting and displaying the display signal from the converter circuits in a forward visual field of the driver.

Method and apparatus for propelling and retarding off-road haulers

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus are disclosed for powering and controlling the operation of large diesel-electric off-road haulers of the type in which hauler drive wheels (144, 146) are propelled and retarded by DC electric wheel motors (132, 134) powered from a board generator (116), optionally supplemented by DC power, from external trolley lines. In the disclosed system, thyristor-type converters (124, 126) connected into the system AC power grid (118) are used to receive supplemental external power from DC trolley lines and supply it into the AC power distribution grid (118) in the propel mode. The use of such thyristor-type converters (124, 126) makes possible the use of supplemental trolley line power without provision of separate switching or control gear to operate the DC wheel motors when trolley line power is received. Thyristor-type converters also may be used to supply current (generated by wheel motors (132, 134) in the retarding) mode to retarding resistors (176), making possible the use of the initial electrical power generated by the wheel motors to replace load requirements of the diesel engine (112), resulting in substantial fuel savings.

Solid electrolyte fuel cell system

Abstract: PURPOSE: To make a system to provide the electric power more efficiently by storing the electric power as a chemical energy in the mutual exchange of the electric energy and the chemical energy, and utilize it again. CONSTITUTION: A steam generator 3 and a steam turbine 4 are linked to a solid electrolyte fuel cell SOFC 1 through a steam superheater 2, and, an oxygen tank 5, an air compressor 6, and a waste heat recovering device 7 are also linked to the SOFC 1. By installing the SOFC 1 to a heating system together with the steam generator 3 of a nuclear reactor or a boiler to make into a complex system, an excessive steam generated in the steam generator 3 is superheated to a high temperature 900 to 1000°C by the steam superheater 2, and delivered to the SOFC 1, in a power storing time. And it is electrolyzed into hydrogen and oxygen by using an excessive power, and stored in a hydrogen storing alloy 8 and an oxygen tank 5 respectively. And, in a peak time, the hydrogen and the oxygen are used as a fuel to generate the power in the SOFC 1. In this case, the steam generator 3 rotates the steam turbine 4 constantly to generate the power. In such a way, the excessive parts of the power and the steam are eliminated being utilized effectively, and the power is generated to respond to a peak cut. COPYRIGHT: (C)1991,JPO&Japio

Electrical energy system

Abstract: An electrical energy system including an electric utility having an electricity generating apparatus and distribution lines, a plurality of electric vehicles and electric power storage apparatus receiving electrical power from the electric utility and supplying electrical power to the plurality of electric vehicles and to the electric utility when required.

Energy from Nuclear Power

Abstract: Nuclear power should play a pivotal and expanded role in supplying world energy, the authors says Risks must be minimized by designing a new generation of safe reactors Atomic energy's vast potential can be harnessed only if issues of safety, waste and nuclear-weapon proliferation are addressed by a globally administered institution The current situation in nuclear power is described before addressing its future

Solar powered electric ship system

Abstract: A system for producing and distributing electric power on a sailing ship, using arrays of photovoltaic cells covering the ships sails and rigging to generate electric power during daylight for the purpose of driving a ships screw. The solar array electric power output is processed by a voltage regulator which charges a large capacity storage battery and energizes an electric motor to drive the ships screw. An AC inverter is also provided to convert the DC power for the AC loads. To increase the area normally available on sailing ships for solar arrays, wing-booms which extend the lengths of the yards, and rolling booms above the yards are proposed for addition to the ships superstructure. The invention should make it possible for sailing ships to resume transportation of cargo without the need for auxiliary gas or oil-burning engines and a fuel supply.

Vehicle preheating system using existing vehicle heating system

Abstract: A vehicle preheating system which provides for the preheating of the vehicle interior, as well as other components, is disclosed. The system includes an electrical heating element installed within the water lines of the vehicle and is supplied with electrical power by an external source. The unit containing the electrical heating element may also include a valve which can shut off coolant flow to and from the engine block, thus warming the vehicle interior more quickly. Alternatively, the electrical heating element may be used to preheat the engine as well as the interior as desired, or additional electrical heating elements may be installed in other areas. The standard vehicle heater fan is supplied with electrical power from a transformer and rectifier in the circuit, thus using only external power rather than vehicle battery power. The system is controlled by a timer controller, which may be preset to activate the heater assembly at some predetermined time prior to vehicle operation, and may provide for other component preheating devices such as engine and battery warmers. The timer controller may activate each of these devices simultaneously, or independently at various times depending upon the lead time required to thoroughly warm each component. Alternatively, power may be applied to each device in turn in order to avoid excessive current draw from the external circuit. The external power cord is contained on a reel which is installed within the vehicle body and is retracted onto the reel for storage when not in use.

Solar powered electricity mine system

Abstract: A system for the collection and conversion of solar radiated power into electrical energy The system improves present solar power conversion systems by locating key elements deep underground, thereby greatly decreasing thermal losses and increasing system efficiency to an estimated 80 percent In particular, a vertical mine shaft, at least 100 meters deep is used for transmitting collected solar flux from above ground heliostat fields, down to an insulated boiler The boiler converts injected water into superheated steam which drives a steam turbine connected to an alternator or generator producing 50 to 100 Mw electrical power Provision is made for an auxiliary drive system, using stored water or stored heat to operate the generator during hours of darkness or high load demand

Circuit for driving an electric field luminous lamp

Abstract: A circuit for driving an electric field luminous lamp includes a DC-DC converter for generating a constant DC electric power output. The DC electric power is inverted to an AC electric power to drive an electric field luminous lamp. This results in a constant consumption of an electric power, so that the decrease of a brightness is avoided, a life of the lamp becomes long, and a fluctuation of an input DC voltage does not affect a fluctuation of an electric power consumption.

Electric therapeutic apparatus

Abstract: An electric therapeutic apparatus for inducing an expectoration of sputum by a patient having difficulty therewith by using an interference low frequency wave, which comprises at least one electric current generating unit for generating an electric current having an intermediate frequency, an electric current detecting unit for detecting an electric current when an electric power is supplied, an electric current controlling unit for controlling the current flowing in the apparatus when an electric power is supplied, and at least one pair of electrodes adapted to be attached to a human body, the input of which is connected to the current generating unit. The apparatus can be combined with a separate bioelectric potential measuring unit with a suitable coupling means so that the electric therapeutic treatment can be carried out while checking the bioelectric potential, this unit being, for example, an electrocardiogram, and therefore, if an abnormal bioelectric potential is detected during the electric therapeutic treatment, the current supplied to the therapeutic apparatus is stopped or reduced so that a treatment having a high safety and excellent accuracy can be obtained. Moreover, a fixing device of an electrode in which a plurality of electrodes can be easily fixed to any portion of a human body is provided.